Meaning
Directing someone to halt.
Cultural Background
In Latvia, it is common to stop on the side of the road to buy local produce (berries, honey) from small stands. 'Apstāsimies šeit' is the standard phrase to suggest this to a driver. Germans are very strict about where you can stop. Using 'Hier anhalten' in a 'No Stopping' zone will likely result in a lecture from the driver. In Japan, politeness is key. Instead of a direct 'Stop here', people often say 'Could you stop around here?' to be less demanding. In the US, 'Pull over' is more common than 'Stop here' when in a car, as 'stop' might imply stopping in the middle of the lane.
The 'Lūdzu' Rule
Always add 'lūdzu' at the beginning or end. It turns a command into a polite request.
No Stopping Zones
In Riga, many streets have 'Apstāties aizliegts' (Stopping prohibited) signs. Drivers will not stop there even if you ask politely!
Meaning
Directing someone to halt.
The 'Lūdzu' Rule
Always add 'lūdzu' at the beginning or end. It turns a command into a polite request.
No Stopping Zones
In Riga, many streets have 'Apstāties aizliegts' (Stopping prohibited) signs. Drivers will not stop there even if you ask politely!
Use 'Te' for Speed
If you need to stop very quickly, 'Apstājies te!' is faster to say than 'Apstāties šeit'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'apstāties' for a polite request to a driver.
Lūdzu, _________ šeit!
'Apstājieties' is the formal/plural imperative, which is appropriate for a polite request to a driver.
Which sentence means 'We stopped here'?
Choose the correct past tense sentence:
'Apstājamies' is the past tense (we stopped). 'Stāvam' is 'we are standing' and 'apstāsimies' is 'we will stop'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are walking with your best friend and see a cool shop.
The informal imperative 'Apstājies' is perfect for a best friend.
Complete the dialogue between a passenger and a Bolt driver.
Pasažieris: 'Paldies par braucienu. Vai jūs varētu _________?'
'Apstāties šeit' is the correct infinitive to use after 'varētu' (could).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLūdzu, _________ šeit!
'Apstājieties' is the formal/plural imperative, which is appropriate for a polite request to a driver.
Choose the correct past tense sentence:
'Apstājamies' is the past tense (we stopped). 'Stāvam' is 'we are standing' and 'apstāsimies' is 'we will stop'.
Situation: You are walking with your best friend and see a cool shop.
The informal imperative 'Apstājies' is perfect for a best friend.
Pasažieris: 'Paldies par braucienu. Vai jūs varētu _________?'
'Apstāties šeit' is the correct infinitive to use after 'varētu' (could).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, 'Stop' is understood, but it sounds like an emergency. 'Apstājieties šeit' is much more natural and polite.
'Šeit' is more formal and specific ('this exact spot'), while 'te' is more informal and general ('around here').
You say 'Neapstājieties šeit'. Just add 'ne-' to the front of the verb.
Yes, but usually you wait for the official 'pietura' (stop). You can ask 'Vai autobuss šeit apstājas?' (Does the bus stop here?).
Related Phrases
Pieturēt šeit
similarTo pull over here
Stāvēt šeit
contrastTo stand here
Beigt šeit
similarTo end here
Palikt šeit
contrastTo stay here
